Dr. V.K.Maheshwari, M.A(Socio, Phil) B.Sc. M. Ed, Ph.D
Former Principal, K.L.D.A.V.(P.G) College, Roorkee, India
A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The common idea for many people is that forests are just a collection of trees. However, they are much more than that. They are a complex, functional system of interacting and often interdependent biological, physical, and chemical components, the biological part of which has evolved to perpetuate itself. This complexity produces combinations of climate, soils, trees and plant species unique to each site, resulting in hundreds of different forest types around the world. Logically, trees are an important component for the research in forest ecosystems, but the wide variety of other life forms and abiotic components in most forests means that other elements, such as wildlife or soil nutrients, should also be the focal point in ecological studies and management plans to be carried out in forest ecosystems.
The word forest comes from from Old French forest (also forès) “forest, vast expanse covered by trees”; first introduced in English as the word for wild land set aside for hunting[14] without the necessity in definition for the existence of trees. . Uses of the word “forest” in English was introduced by the Norman rulers of England as a legal term (denoting an uncultivated area legally set aside for hunting by feudal nobility.
Forests as one of the top 5 natural resources on earth. This is rightly so, and today, we shall look at how wonderful our forests are to us, and why we should immediately stop its’ destruction.
There is more to forests than just a massive collection of trees. It is a natural, complex ecosystem, made up of a wide variety of trees, that support a massive range of life forms.
Apart from trees, forests also include the soils that support the trees, the water bodies that run through them and even the atmosphere (air) around them. Forests of the world are a natural wonder that humans have sadly taken for granted
A forest can be defined as a biotic community predominant of trees, shrubs or any
other woody vegetation usually in a closed canopy. It is derived from latin word ‘foris’
means ‘outside’.
A forest is best defined as ecosystem or assemblage of ecosystems dominated by trees and other woody vegetation.
The living parts of a forest include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants, mosses, algae, fungi, insects, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and microorganisms living on the plants and animals and in the soil.
These interact with one another and with the non-living part of the environment – including the soil, water, and minerals, to make up what we know as a forest.
There are three broad categories of forest definitions in use:
Administrative - Administrative definitions are based primarily upon the legal designations of land, and commonly bear no relationship to the vegetation growing on the land: land that is legally designated as a forest is defined as a forest even if no trees are growing on it
Land use – Land use definitions are based upon the primary purpose that the land serves. For example, a forest may defined as any land that is used primarily for production of timber. Under such a land use definition, cleared roads or infrastructure within an area used for forestry, or areas within the region that have been cleared by harvesting, disease or fire are still considered forests even if they contain no trees
Land cover - Land cover definitions define forests based upon the type and density of vegetation growing on the land. Such definitions typically define a forest as an area growing trees above some threshold. These thresholds are typically the number of trees per area (density), the area of ground under the tree canopy (canopy cover) or the section of land that is occupied by the cross-section of tree trunks (basal area )Under such land cover definitions, and area of land only be defined as forest if it is growing trees. Areas that fail to meet the land cover definition may be still included under while immature trees are establishing if they are expected to meet the definition at maturity.
Importance of Forests
India’s Forest Cover is 6,76,000 sq.km (20.55% of geographic area). Scientists estimate that India should ideally have 33% of its land under forests. Today we only have about 12% thus we need not only to protect our existing forests but also to increase our forest cover.
Forests and biodiversity are key to all life forms. The richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.
Forests are hugely important for life on earth. This is because it serves as an ecosystem, and sustains life for millions of animals, birds and animals that live in the rivers and streams running through these forests. It also does a lot of good to the atmosphere in climate control, as well as supplying oxygen for human sustenance.
Below are some more importance of forests:
Watershed- Forests serve as a watershed. This is because almost all water ultimately comes from rivers and lakes and from forest-derived water tables. Some rivers running through forests are also kept cool and from drying out.
Habitat and Ecosystems- Forests serve as a home (habitat) to millions of animals. Think of the many types of reptiles (snakes and lizards) wild animals, butterflies and insects, birds and tree-top animals as well as all those that live in the forest streams and rivers.
Animals form part of the food chain in the forests. All these different animals and plants are called biodiversity, and the interaction with one another and with their physical environment is what we call an ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters such as floods and wildfires.
Economic benefits- Forests are of immense economic importance to us. For example, plantation forests provide humans with timber and wood, which is exported and used in all parts of the world. They also provide tourism income to inhabitants (people living in or close to forests) when people visit to see the best of nature.
Climate Control – Climate control and atmosphere purification are key for human existence. Trees and soils help regulate atmospheric temperatures through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps to stabilize the climate. Additionally, they enrich the atmosphere by absorbing bad gases (example CO2 and other greenhouse gases) and producing oxygen. Trees also help to remove air pollutants
Function of forests:
| Sr.No. | Particulars | Functions |
| 1 | Productive | They provide timer, fuel, charcoal, beedi , leaves, was and resins, fruits, tanning, materials, manure leaves, grass, bamboo, gums, lac etc. |
| 2. | Protective | Forests protect water sheds, catchments of rivers and streams against erosion. |
| 3. | Aesthetics | Forests add good appearance, landscaping and a thrilling atmosphere to the locality. |
| 4 | Recreational | Forest provides picnic resorts and opportunities for sport like hiking, trekking, wild life watching, bird watching. |
| 5 | Scientific | Study of ecological process can be made |
| 6 | Ameliorative | Forests improve climate and reduce pollution |
| 7 | Hygienic | Forests improve the environment and help in reduction of noise, purify the air and give out oxygen to the atmosphere. |
| 8 | Industrial developments | Forest meet the need for raw material for industrial development such as Paper pups, rayon grade pulp, saw milk ply wood, hard board etc. |
Types of Forests
Tropical rainforests
- Hugely dense, lush forest with canopies preventing sunlight from getting to the floor of the forest.
- All year high temperatures and abundant rainfall.
- Located near the equator.
- A vital storehouse of biodiversity, sustaining millions of different animals, birds, algae and fish species.
Sub-tropical forests
v Located at the south and north of the tropical forests.
v Trees here are adapted to resist the summer drought.
v Mediterranean forests
v Located at the south of the temperate regions around the coasts of the Mediterranean, California, Chile and Western Australia.
v The growing season is short and almost all trees are evergreen, but mixed with hardwood and softwood.
Temperate forests
- Located at Eastern North America, Northeastern Asia, and western and eastern Europe.
- Mix of deciduous and coniferous evergreen trees.
- Usually, the broad-leaved hardwood trees shed leaves annually.
- There are well-defined seasons with a distinct winter and sufficient rainfall.
Coniferous forests
ü Located in the cold, windy regions around the poles.
ü They come in both hardwoods and conifers.
ü The hardwoods are deciduous.
ü The conifers are evergreen and structurally adapted to withstand the long drought-like conditions of the long winters.
Montane forests
- Known as cloud forests because they receive most of their precipitation from the mist or fog that comes up from the lowlands.
- Usually found in high-elevation tropical, subtropical and temperate zones.
- Plants and animals in these forests are adapted to withstanding the cold, wet conditions and intense sunlight.
- Trees are mainly conifers.
Plantation forests
- Has around 7% of global forest cover (140 million hectares).
- Produces more sustainable timber and fibre than natural forests.
- Plantations produce around 40% of industrial wood.
- Plantation forests are on the increase.
Ecological significance of forests:
1. Balances CO2 and O2 levels in atmosphere.
2. Regulates earth temperature and hydrological cycle
3. Encourage seepage and reduces runoff losses, prevents drought
4. Reduces soil erosion (roots binding), prevents siltation and landslides thereby floods
5. Litter helps in maintaining soil fertility
6. Safe habitat for birds, wild animals and organisms against wind, solar radiation and rain.
Forest Degradation and Deforestation
Forest degradation is different from deforestation. Degradation is used to mean the destruction or reduction in quality of specific aspects of forests. Prolonged degradation can wipe out a forest. Degradation can result in a decrease in tree cover, changes in their structure or a reduction in the number of species that can be found there. If acid rain destroys trees in a vast area, it can be called forest degradation.
Forest degradation is the changes within the forest which negatively affect the structure or function of the stand or site, and thereby lower the capacity to supply products and/or services. FAO (2001) – Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000
Forest degradation can be caused by factors such as
Forest fires: In many forests such as in boreal and dry tropical forests, fires are usually expected from time to time. They may be caused by humans, accidents or natural factors. Forests fires wipe out many thousands of acres each year all over the world. This has effects on biodiversity and the economy as well.
Climate Change: Extreme climates can also cause degradation. Prolonged droughtsand dry conditions reduce the tree cover and dry out water bodies running through them. They force many animals to migrate and reduce the quality of forests ecosystems.
Pests and diseases: Pest or disease outbreak can also destroy the vegetative cover in forest lands.
Degraded forests can often be restored. The Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration (GPFLR, undated) suggested that more than one billion hectares of deforested and degraded forest land worldwide are suitable and available for restoration.
Deforestation:
Deforestation occurs around the world, though tropical rainforests are particularly targeted. NASA predicts that if current deforestation levels proceed, the world’s rainforests may be completely in as little as 100 years.
Deforestation refers to the loss of forest cover; land that is permanently converted from forest to agricultural land, golf courses, cattle pasture, home, lakes or desert. The FAO ( Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) defines tropical deforestation as “ change of forest with depletion of tree crown cover more than 90%” depletion of forest tree crown cover less than 90% is considered forest degradation.
Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands and related ecosystems for non-forest use. These include clearing for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted.
Since the industrial age, about half of world’s original forests have been destroyed and millions of animals and living things have been endangered. Despite the improvements in education, information and general awareness of the importance of forests, deforestation has not reduced much, and there are still many more communities and individuals who still destroy forest lands for personal gains.
Effects of Deforestation
Looking at the importance of forests and trees in the previous pages, you can deduce the massive effects of deforestation and tree-cutting activities. Let us see a few below:
Soil Erosion Destruction.- Soils (and the nutrients in them) are exposed to the sun’s heat. Soil moisture is dried up, nutrients evaporate and bacteria that help break down organic matter are affected. Eventually, rain washes down the soil surfaces and erosion takes place. Soils never get their full potential back.
Water Cycle.- Trees are important to the water cycle. They absorb rain fall and produce water vapor that is released into the atmosphere. Trees also lessen the pollution in water, by stopping polluted runoff. When forests are destroyed, the atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all affected. Trees absorb and retain water in their roots. A large part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem of rainforests remains inside the plants. Some of this moisture is transpired into the atmosphere. When this process is broken, the atmosphere and water bodies begin to dry out. The watershed potential is compromised and less water will run through the rivers. Smaller lakes and streams that take water from these larger water bodies dry up.
Loss of Biodiversity.- Seventy percent of the world’s plants and animals live in forests and are losing their habitats to deforestation, according to National Geographic. Loss of habitat can lead to species extinction. Many wonderful species of plants and animals have been lost, and many others remain endangered. More than 80% of the world’s species remain in the Tropical Rainforest. It is estimated that about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day as a result of destruction of their habitats, and that is a tragedy. Many beautiful creatures, both plants and animals have vanished from the face of the earth.
Climate Change.- Plants absorb Carbon Dioxide CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and uses it to produce food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that make up trees). In return, it gives off Oxygen. Destroying the forests mean CO2 will remain in the atmosphere and in addition, destroyed vegetation will give off more CO2 stored in them as they decompose. This will alter the climate of that region. Cool climates may get a lot hotter and hot places may get a lot cooler.
Life quality.- Soil erosion can also lead to silt entering the lakes, streams and other water sources. This can decrease local water quality and contribute to poor health in populations in the area.
Causes for Deforestation:
There are many causes of deforestation. The WWF reports that half of the trees illegally removed from forests are used as fuel.
The biggest driver of deforestation is agriculture. Conversion of forests to agricultural land to feed growing numbers of people raising cash crops for increased economy Farmers cut forests to provide more room for planting crops or grazing livestock. Often many small farmers will each clear a few acres to feed their families by cutting down trees and burning them in a process known as “slash and burn” agriculture. Cutting of trees for fire wood and building material, the heavy lopping of foliage for fodder and heavy grazing of saplings by domestic animals like goats.
Commercial Logging operations, which provide the world’s wood and paper products, also cut countless trees each year. Loggers, some of them acting illegally, also build roads to access more and more remote forests—which leads to further deforestation which supplies the world market with woods such as teak, mahogany and ebony) destroys trees as well as opening up forest.
Increase in population. Urbanization & industrialization Forests are also cut as a result of growing urban sprawl and make more land available for housing and urbanization
Mining Mineral exploration and construction of dam reservoirs and. Infrastructure development
Not all deforestation is intentional. Some is caused by a combination of human and natural factors like wildfires and subsequent overgrazing, which may prevent the growth of young trees.
Environmental effects of deforestation
• Increasing CO2
• Floods leading to soil erosion. Heavy siltation of dams
• Changes in the microclimate
• Loss of biodiversity.
• Heavy rainfall and high sunlight quickly damage the topsoil in clearings of the tropical rainforests. In such circumstance, the forest will take much longer to regenerate and the land will not be suitable for agricultural use for quite some time.
• The stress of environmental change may make some species more susceptible to the effect of insects, pollution, disease and fire
• Most humid regions changes to desert Dessication of previously moist forest soil.
• Global warming
Suggestions for Forest Conservation
1. Restraining cutting of trees and submerging the forests
2. Reforestation
3. Afforestation
4. Control forest diseases and forest fire
5. Recycling forest products
6. Replacing forest products
7. Avoids diversion of forest lands for other activities through acts like Forest Conservation Act and Wild life (protection) Act
8. Bringing awareness among people eg: Chipko movement, Appiko , Narmada Bachao Andolan
9. Implementing people’s participatory programmes. Ex: Joint Forestry Manangement (JFM)
Counteracting deforestation
Many believe that to counter deforestation, people simply need to plant more trees. Though a massive replanting effort would help to alleviate the problems deforestation caused, it would not solve them all.
Reforestation would facilitate , restoring the ecosystem services provided by forests including carbon storage, water cycling and wildlife habitat,reducing the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and rebuilding wildlife habitats
Reforestation won’t completely fix the damage, though. For example, Daley points out that forests cannot sequester all of the carbon dioxide humans are emitting to the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels and a reduction in fossil fuel emissions. It is still necessary to avoid buildup in the atmosphere. Reforestation will not help with extinction due to deforestation, either.
In addition to reforestation, some other tactics are being taken to counteract or slow deforestation. Some of them include shifting the human population to a plant-based diet. This would lower the need for land to be cleared for raising livestock.
Global Forest Watch has also initiated a project to counteract deforestation through awareness. The organization uses satellite technology, open data and crowdsourcing to detect and alert others of deforestation. Their online community is also encouraged to share their personal experiences and the negative effects of deforestation.